Various hand and wrist stretches and exercises lessen carpal tunnel symptoms or prevent the condition in people who repeatedly use their hands and wrists for work or other everyday tasks. If you already suffer carpal tunnel symptoms, you likely require other treatments beyond exercise, according to MayoClinic.com, so seek a doctor's opinion before undertaking any exercise regimen.
Stretching During Breaks
If you perform a job requiring constant use of your hands and wrists -- such as typing all day or repeatedly swinging a hammer -- regular breaks for simple wrist stretching exercises reduces the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, according to MayoClinic.com. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking periodic three-minute breaks to gently shake the wrists, stretch out arms and rotate or draw in shoulder blades.
Yoga
Yoga sometimes helps if you already suffer wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome. Various yoga techniques performed in a class and under the supervision of an instructor relax and stretch the joints, often offering relief and improving gripping strength.
Pushing Air
One exercise -- during which you literally appear to be pushing air -- helps some carpal tunnel patients avoid surgery if regularly performed during the early stages of symptoms, according to hand surgery website E-Hand.com. For this exercise, stand with your arms straight and outstretched and your fingers pointing up with palms facing forward as if you're about to push the air in front of you. Hold this position for five seconds, then, keeping your arms outstretched in front of you, relax your wrists, allowing your hands to rest level with your arms for a few seconds. Next, hold tight fists with both hands and bend the fists downward, holding that position for five seconds before bringing the hands back level with your arms. Repeat for several repetitions and then let your arms hang down at your sides at rest and shake them gently for a few more seconds.
Loose Fist Pressing
For this preventive exercise, recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center, make a loose fist with your right hand, palm side up. Gently press down on the top of the fist with your left hand and firmly push back with the fisted hand, holding tension between the hands for five seconds, keeping the wrists straight. Then repeat the exercise with the right fist palm side down and pressing into the left hand. Switch hands and go again.
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